Sinn Féin sensationalists playing to the gallery

Larne Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark McKinty has accused local Sinn Féin representatives of being "sensationalists" and "playing to the gallery" following comments made in the run-up to last week's Royal Black parade in Carnlough.

This comes following last week's statements by Sinn Féin Larne Councillor James McKeown and Oliver McMullan MLA suggesting "tensions" were high in the area. "These comments are what cause tensions to be raised," stated Cllr McKinty, "given that RBP 377, as any other Preceptory, have a long history connected to the local area, and are keen to hold a peaceful parade".

"SF's statements are playing to the gallery. RBP 377 draws members from the area, and are sensitive to local issues. Cllr McKeown and Mr McMullan are seeking to create a problem here so they can get publicity off the back of it."

 "Clutching at straws, SF have now suggested the choice of band is wrong. The local bands were unavailable to parade, so another local band agreed to help the lodge. This happens all over the country, so I can't understand why Cllr McKeown would be so "shocked"!"

"As was to be expected, the parade passed off peacfully, with the band and Sir Knights parading with dignity and respect, despite obviously concerted attempts by a small number of protesters to provoke a reaction" said Cllr. McKinty. "A fantastic day was had in Larne: the sun was shining, the streets were lined 5 or 6 people deep at times, and I congratulate the organisers for their sterling work."

Larne Apprentice Launch

As part of the Larne Youth Opportunities Programme LEDCOM and Larne Borough Council are organising the Larne Apprentice Competition. This unique competition is designed to help young people between the aged of 18-25 gain new work skills within a business environment.

I was pleased to attend the launch of the Larne Apprentice Competition with my Ulster Unionist colleague Cllr Maureen Morrow. We both believe that this is a great opportunity to give local young people the encouragement and experience needed early in their careers. We also look forward to taking an active role in the programme and closely following progress.

The competition will conclude with a final with special guest “ Jedi” Jim Eastwood from the Apprentice TV programme. The competition is also being supported by the Larne Times, where you can keep up to date with progress.

The competition will enable young people to make contact with business owners and leaders in the greater Larne area. It has been designed to develop and assess the participants using a balanced scorecard approach to develop  business acumen, attitude, social understanding and leadership.

The competition is being supported by local businesses giving voluntary time and business experience to help the candidates throughout the 8 weeks of the initiative as well as enhancing their future career prospects.
 Members of the Larne Traders Forum and member companies of the Business in the Community Business Leadership Network are supporting the Larne Apprentice Competition.

The benefits from taking part in the Larne Apprentice Competition include :
• The winner will receive an iPad with the runner up receiving a tablet computer, with other prizes for all who complete the competition
• Certificates will also be given to all completing participants
• Up to 10 hours one to one mentoring from local business representatives to assist with  career development.
• It will bring participants into contact with employers with the potential to advance employment opportunities.
• The Larne Apprentice Competition is designed to be fun and interactive. Participation will enhance participants CVs and their ability to compete for jobs.

Information on the Larne Apprentice Competition is available from Audrey Murray at LEDCOM, tel.: 2826 9973 or audreymurray@ledcomwbp.org

Information can also be downloaded from www.chainhr.co.uk and www.ledcom.org

Seizure takes drugs 'out of the loop' - McKinty

Larne Cllr. Mark McKinty has welcomed the seizure of £40,000 of drugs in Larne as "an important step in the fight against local crime".  "The work of the police and the local community has led to a significant seizure, which takes drugs out of the loop" he said. "Drugs are damaging our community, especially our young people.who are most vulnerable and at risk of becoming addicted."

During the raid on Tuesday evening, they found 78 cannabis plants, which the police have described as a "significant seizure".

Larne Inspector Noel Rogan said "irresponsible" landlords could face prosecution if they allow cannabis factories in their properties.

"Neighbours are asked to report strange activities such as windows boarded up, curtains closed all the time, a lot of comings and goings to the property and any other peculiar signs as cannabis in particular gives off quite a pungent aroma"

"This is a significant seizure of illegal substances taken from the streets of Larne, and is an excellent example of the local community working in tandem with police.

"Officers will continue to provide a safe environment to live and work, and we thank the co-operation of the people of Larne for their support," he added.

The Ulster Unionist Deputy Mayor, speaking after the find, praised the work of local police and.community members. "This is the perfect example of how the police and local community are working together to make Larne a better, safer place to live and do business. I would encourage anyone with further information to speak to the police about the matter. Together we can win the battle."

Cllr McKinty: Look after Larne

Cllr Mark McKinty, Deputy Mayor or Larne, is urging all residents to "look after Larne" this summer. "We have a beautiful Borough with much to offer visitors, so it is imperative that we all take pride in it and ensure Larne is well-presented and clean of litter" he said.

Speaking following the launch of the Translink 2012 Ulster in Bloom competition, the Ulster Unionist representative said, "This is a great opportunity for Council's Parks Department to work together with local businesses and community groups to spruce up the Borough. We must congratulate Parks staff and community volunteers for the work that they already do in presenting our Town so well."

In the 2011 competition, judges described Larne as "a well-kept town with a great sense of public pride", awarding it the Most Improved award, with Larne Methodist Church also receiving a Special Award for outstanding presentation.

Cllr McKinty highliged the potential to build on last year's progress: "This year is especially important for Larne with the Jubilee roundabout and other works having been completed and now forming part of the competition entry. I would encourage everyone to do their part in their own garden, business and community area to improve the appearance of our Borough for judges and tourists alike. The wider public also must remember to dispose of their litter carefully as judges pay close attention to detail, and every point counts in the final."

"Tourism is very important for our Borough, and presenting Larne as a tidy, enjoyable place to visit will encourage visitors to stay longer and return often. Right across Larne, from Millbrook to Glenarm, I wish all entries well, and am very hopeful we will have a successful summer showcasing our beautiful Borough", he concluded.

ENDS


Left: Cllr. McKinty at a recent tree planting event in Jubilee Park, Glynn.

Top: Geraldine McGahey, Chief Executive, Larne Borough Council, Cllr Mark McKinty, Deputy Mayor, Larne Borough Council, Cllr Freda Donnelly, Northern Ireland Local Government Association, Frank Moore, Route Manager, Translink NI Railways, Catherine Mason, Group Chief Executive, Translink, Jim King, Larne Borough Council and Alistair McKeown, board member, Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

McKinty: "Craigyhill flats saga must end"

Larne Deputy Mayor Mark McKinty has again called for the demolition of derelict blocks of flats in Craigyhill "as a matter of urgency".

Following a number of arson incidents in the past week, the Ulster Unionist Councillor voiced his concerns: "Yet again the derelict flats in Craigyhill have been the target of more vandalism and arson over the past week. This has been a regular occurrence now for a number of years - the Craigyhill flats saga must end before someone is seriously injured."

North-East area manager for the NI Housing Executive Frank O’Connor confirmed to Larne Council on 3 May 2012 that the flats would be demolished “at the earliest opportunity”, stating that some electrical and gas works onsite were needed before progress could be made.

However, Cllr. McKinty has been in touch with NIHE to pursue the case with representatives. "We are now in July and the problem is ongoing. NIHE need to make this project a top priority not only to ensure the safety of residents, but also to remove the eyesore and hindrance of these flats for the locals who have suffered enough," he said. "What happens with the land after demolition is a matter still to be discussed, but the imminent priority for now is the removal of risk and danger from our community as a matter of urgency".

Local Band in 12th July BBC Feature

Magheramorne Silver Band is set to take to the small screen this week as part of the BBC's 12th July coverage for 2012.

The local band will feature on BBC 1, which will this year cover the Belfast and Carrickfergus parades live on air.

Band member Davy Hall during setup for BBC recording.

The programme will also show a pre-recorded piece focusing on the Band. It will include footage from a band practice, interviews, and a look into the band's history, which will have reached 130 years this September.

BBC presenter Ralph McLean travelled to Magheramorne at the end of May to call in on one of the band's practices, and also to interview the band's Chairman, Ian McGarel. "This year MSB are celebrating 130 years since our formation, so we were delighted to have the BBC with us to film the band at one of our rehearsals which is to be included in their 12^th day coverage," he said. "The band really enjoyed the evening and we are looking forward to seeing the finished programme and parading with Magheramorne LOL 291 through Magheramorne and in Carrickfergus on the Twelfth day."

BBC Presenter Ralph McLean visited Magheramorne Silver Band.

Band PR Officer Mark McKinty also welcomed the chance to showcase the band: "Magheramorne Silver has a long and proud history of making music, and this is a great chance to showcase our work to a wider audience."

"The Twelfth" will be aired on BBC 1 on Thursday 12th July 2012 from 11am.  New members of all levels interested in joining the band, which offers the free loan of an instrument and free tuition, should contact 07771 925546 for more information.

All aboard the gravy train!

Ulster Unionist Larne Councillor Mark McKinty has criticised Translink CEO Catherine Mason after it emerged her annual salary is being increased to a total of £198,000 per year when new pension provisions are accounted for.

Speaking at a residents meeting in Larne last Friday, Cllr McKinty said, "Given the underlying pressures on Translink with rising fuel costs and day to day operations, it would make more sense to keep pay for senior management and executives under tight control, something the Assembly Executive seems to have no interest in doing.  Furthermore, despite targets of 20% being put in place in last decade to move people from private transport to public transport, Translink have failed misserably in this area, with only a 7% change over".

This pay hike comes in a week when Northern Ireland has been identified as having the most expensive fuel costs in the UK. Cllr McKinty continued "There is an appetite for cost effective, punctual and reliable public transport in Northern Ireland. Not a week goes past that constituents don't raise fuel costs with me and say they wish public transport was more accessible and indeed flexible. The Translink CEO accepting such a high salary, surrounded by the threat of Translink service cuts and a number of redundancies recently announced, undermines confidence in public opinion towards Translink. The Executive should be doing more to promote the economic, social and environmental benefits of public transport and our new trains, which are still arriving fortnightly (above)".

Following these revelations, it has emerged that significant rises in rail and bus fares could be on the cards because Translink is expected to head towards a multi-million pound loss in the coming years.

The Department for Regional Development (DRD) had expected the publicly-owned company to prepare a plan which would allow it to break even financially across the group which includes NI Railways, Metro and Ulsterbus. However, figures show that it will actually slip into the red after this year.

The report anticipates Translink will make a profit of £2m this year (2012-2013) but will then start to make significant losses with a deficit of £11.6m expected in 2013-2014, and £10.5m the following year (2014-15).

Commenting on the recent news, Cllr McKinty said: "It is absolutely ludicrous that the public are being asked to pay more to keep Translink afloat. In a time of austerity, when everyone has to monitor income and expenditure, Translink need to take a very serious look at their own spendin, and urgently implement a range of efficiency savings across the board whilst still maintaining the current service level. I have no doubt that this will be a difficult exercise, but the company simply cannot resort to fare increases when their books don't balance".

"We are currently in the process of accepting delivery of 20 new trains for our rail network, yet Translink seem set on deterrin people from using the new stock. I have been involved in lobbying for retention of the Larne-Whitehead section of the Larne Line; these fare increases will do nothing to encourage people back onto the trains in sufficient numbers to guarantee the line's future" said Cllr McKinty.

"What smacks in the face of most commuters is that Translink's CEO, and no doubt other senior management, are being rewarded with increased pay, whilst the company is losing money. Senior staff need to be in touch with passengers on the ground." Concluding Cllr McKinty added "I will be raising this issue with Mike Nesbitt MLA, our party leader, to see how the Ulster Unionist Party can force the Executive to encourage salary restraint in organisations engaged in delivery of public services".